Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday defended supporting the arrest of former DMK minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan over comments against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and asserted that everyone must maintain decorum in public discourse.When asked on her support to the TVK government in connection with the arrest of Radhakrishnan, Tamilisai Soundararjan denied supporting the Vijay-led regime and said several functionaries in the DMK spoke in an arrogant and derogatory manner.The BJP leader told PTI: "I am not supporting the TVK regime, I am saying that everyone must speak in a dignified and responsible manner; several functionaries in the DMK speak in an arrogant and derogatory manner and we ourselves (the BJP) have been a victim. I say that everyone must follow decorum in their speeches." Tiruchendur legislator Radhakrishnan, who held the fisheries portfolio in the previous DMK regime, was arrested at Authoor in Thoothukudi district on July 3, 2026 for alleged abrasive remarks against CM Vijay on June 20.He was arrested after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by the Madras HC. After his arrest, he was produced before a court in Tiruchendur and he was enlarged on bail.Several BJP functionaries backed Tamilisai, saying her statement was "entirely non political".The former Telangana governor said dignified language alone must be used to oppose and take on a political rival."By backing the TVK government's strict legal stand against defamation, the BJP is seeking to weaken the DMK's political credibility rather than build a bridge toward the TVK", a senior BJP office-bearer said. With Anitha Radhakrishnan alleging that he was pressured to resign his MLA post, revenue minister K A Sengottaiyan dismissed the allegation saying, "no one forced him to resign".Sengottaiyan dared Radhakrishnan to disclose the names of those who had allegedly forced him to quit his post of legislator.Justifying the police action, state Law Minister R Nirmalkumar dismissed opposition allegations of state-sponsored retaliation or a "take diversion" strategy. Nirmalkumar stated that under the current administration, the police operate with complete independence."In the past, whenever a high-profile politician from the DMK or AIADMK faced action, behind-the-scenes settlements and compromises would take over," Nirmalkumar said."Those days are gone. Chief Minister Vijay's government believes in accountability to all common man and not backdoor political settlements." Launching a direct attack against the arrested MLA, Nirmalkumar dubbed Radhakrishnan's behavior as "public rowdyism".Nirmal Kumar also rejected claims that the TVK had tried to force the DMK leader to quit and also join the TVK."Even if he does penance, we will never admit a person like him into our party. A person who uses hate speeches, deserves to face the law," the minister added.The political rivalry between the DMK and the ruling TVK took a dramatic turn following the allegations by legislator Radhakrishnan.After his release on bail, the DMK MLA once again openly accused the ruling TVK of attempting to force him to quit his assembly seat.